7 Wonderful Parsley Health Benefits

The health benefits of parsley include controlling cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, along with helping prevent osteoporosis. Furthermore, it acts as a pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. It also provides relief from gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, stomach cramps, bloating, and nausea, while helping strengthen the immune system.

Parsley can be found throughout the year on the market. It is also a highly nutritious plant and has ample vitamins and antioxidants which can greatly improve our health.

What is Parsley?

Parsley is an herb that originated in the Mediterranean region of southern Italy, Algeria, and Tunisia. This herb is known scientifically as Petroselinum hortense and Petroselinum crispum, and it belongs to the family Apiaceae.

It has been cultivated by man for more than 2,000 years and was highly regarded in Greek culture since it was used in various ceremonies. The Romans also used it in many ways. Pliny the Elder, a 1st century AD historian, wrote that it was consumed by people from all walks of life. At first, it was used only as a medicinal plant, but later on, it was consumed as a food. There are many myths and fables associated with the origin and growth of this plant in many Mediterranean and European cultures. The Greeks believed that it had sprung up from the blood of the fallen Greek hero Archemorus. Thus, Greeks started associating it with death and destruction, but in the Middle Ages, parsley was included in folklore medicines and it slowly gained popularity. This is possibly how the image of parsley as a health herb developed.

Parsley, a predominantly tropical plant, needs moisture and ample sunlight to grow. It is used as an herb, a green leafy vegetable, and as a spice. Actually, both the leaf and the root are used in Mediterranean and European cuisines. It is consumed in many different ways, including garnishing, salads, stocks, and sandwiches. The leaf is further divided into two more types: curly leaf and flat leaf. The root form is a new addition, which only began to be cultivated about 300 years ago, and was first grown in Hamburg, Germany. Nowadays, root parsley is steadily becoming more popular.

Health Benefits of Parsley

Parsley, known for its use as a garnish, has many nutrients that provide health benefits to people. Some of these benefits include:

Controls Diabetes

Traditionally, parsley was used as a medicine for diabetes in Turkey. In order to scientifically validate this claim, research was conducted at Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey. The research showed evidence that diabetic rats that were given parsley actually showed a decrease in their blood sugar levels over a period of a month. The research indicates that it can be used for diabetic control.

Controls Rheumatoid Arthritis

Parsley has also been particularly effective against rheumatoid arthritis. Compounds such as vitamin C and beta-carotene found in the herb possess anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling arthritis. Consuming it regularly is also believed to speed up the process of uric acid removal, which has been linked to symptoms of arthritis.

Anti-carcinogenic Properties

Zheng, Kenney, and Lam from LKT Laboratories in Minneapolis, Minnesota have extracted a compound named myristicin, which is a phenylpropane, from parsley oil extract. A preliminary investigation into myristicin revealed that it has anti-carcinogenic properties. Myristicin extract from the herb was only tested on rats and human application of this compound still remains to be seen.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Parsley has traditionally been used in the Mediterranean region for toothaches, bruises, insect bites, and rough skin. According to preliminary studies conducted at the King Saud University by Al-Howiriny et al., parsley displays anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxicity properties. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce internal inflammations, while the anti-hepatotoxic properties help cleanse the liver.

Treats Osteoporosis

Parsley is effective in cases of osteoporosis and is helpful in maintaining bone health. Osteoporosis occurs due to depleted levels of calcium in the bones and also due to lack of an amino acid called homocysteine. This amino acid can be broken down by the intake of folic acid. Due to this aspect, apart from dairy products and vegetables, parsley is regarded as one of the best sources of calcium. It also contains an appropriate amount of folic acid, which may break down homocysteine.

Diuretic Effects

For many centuries now, parsley has been used as a diuretic that helps in controlling various diseases such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and gallbladder stones. Edema is a medical condition where a patient retains more fluid in the body than what he or she is supposed to hold under normal circumstances. The body swells because of fluid accumulation. If you are afflicted by this condition, a few teaspoons of parsley juice can provide some quick relief. The roots of the herb are also very useful in counteracting kidney stones. Adding its roots to boiling water and drinking it on a daily basis is also known to be effective as a general cleanser for the body.

Strengthens the Immune System

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in parsley are helpful for strengthening immunity. Vitamins such as vitamin C, A, K, folate, and niacin each act on different aspects of the immune system. Vitamin A acts directly on lymphocytes or white blood cells, thereby increasing their effect. The chlorophyll contained in it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well. Studies have also shown that the herb contains antioxidant properties and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal source for various home remedies.

Risks of Eating Parsley

Consumption of parsley especially in large quantities may have side effects and disadvantages. Some of them include the following:Risky for Pregnant Women: The consumption of large quantities of the herb may induce uterine contractions during pregnancy. At any stage of pregnancy, this can be very risky. Large amounts of parsley are not safe for women who are breastfeeding. Avoiding excessive consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding is strongly advised.

Oxalate Over-consumption: Parsley has a high quantity of oxalates. This high concentration can be particularly problematic for people who suffer from kidney stones.

Other Risks: It may make skin extra sensitive to the sun, which may cause the formation of a rash.

Quick Serving Tips

Garnish: Fresh parsley is a fragile and mild leaf that can be added to any dish as a garnish. In this way, the nutrients will be preserved and will not evaporate in the cooking process. Pasta is one popular preparation where parsley is extensively used raw.

Soups: It can be added to soups, such as tomato soups and sauces, before serving for added flavor and aroma.